@calfoxwc said:

If Jones can get healthy and get back to LT, it matters. 

and "projects as a guard at the next level" only matters if it is definitely true.

Wirfs was talked about as being a T or G.

Mauigoa has been compared to Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit lions.

"Francis Mauigoa has been compared to NFL offensive tackle Penei Sewell, noted for their similar size and athletic abilities. Both players have shown strong potential in their respective college careers."

Penei was taken with the 7th overall pick in the first round.

https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/francis-mauigoa-2026-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-grades-rank-measurements

***************************

"

Penei Sewell

Enjoyed this post - Thanks! 

Only 1 Devil's Advocate ? to caution in.  When a John Deere Tractor never receives any preventive maintenance to keep its ability to function well - it's gonna breakdown and end up in the repair shop.  The analogy here is the big feller isn't putting in the off-season strength and conditioning that an NFL caliber professional needs to perform at the optimal level in NFL like LT needs to succeed.  Sound conditioning programs also strive to improve/maintain flexibility. Each of the last 3 seasons he showed up out of shape (albeit he at least tried better nutrition the last year) - he ended up on IR followed by surgeries.  That's a lot of depreciation to stay comfortable penciling in the same guy with the same process.

In summary, strike 1 + strike 2 + strike 3 puts another batter in the box. I think it's a good idea to try to bring in a promising rookie at LT like a guy we both seem to like Caleb Lomu.  In any draft that welcomes upside and best football ahead - this is my guy. Coming off his redshirt sophomore season - he improved quite a bit from his previous year.  He needs to keep working on his strength and add more weight onto that 6'6" frame.  Until Lomu's 1st starting season as a red-shirt Freshman -Spencer Fano was the starting LT.  When Lomu won the starting LT position - Spencer Fano was now able to play the RT position most suitable for all the success he enjoyed doing so as the 2025 Outland Trophy Winner.  Utah had one of the top Olines in college football, which is why their HC Kyle Whittingham was just hired to coach our biggest enemy in college football at Missedagain.

@flugel said:

"Hope is not a strategy?"  Isn't that why I replied I don't want Dawand Jones penciled at LT here especially after 3 consecutive IR lists followed by surgeries for him?

I was referring to the Browns brass, whose strategy has been to "hope" DJ stays healthy.   We're of the same mind here.

@flugel said:

As for Wypler, he's also on the roster so there's been some time invested in him.  The Browns fully understanding the time and patience of starting a 6th round guy immediately - remained more comfortable starting the well paid veteran Ethan Pocic here.  I didn't draft Wypler or make any premature conclusions good or bad about him in cameo fill-in opportunities; but I liked when/where they drafted him in round 6.  Again, a season ending injury in the 2024 preseason ended/wiped out 1 year of experience. I liked what I've recently seen from him in very limited duty near the end of the season despite some of the inevitable growing pains that accompanied this late round draft pick in his first cluster of game action in 2025 with steady improvements witnessed with each start.  The consistency will come with experience.  I have ZERO problem with taking another shot at a day 3 Center like the one you mentioned you're researching in Kansas State's Sam Hecht especially if he can also help us at OG if Pocic remains the Center or beats out Wypler at Center

Again, I think we're of the same mind - save for liking what we saw with Wypler.  Your interpretation is a bit more... forgiving... then mine is.     That's the Lineman in ya, bubs.  

@tiamat63 said:

"Hope is not a strategy"

Wypler is coming off injury, but a lot of what concerns me with him isn't injury related so much as it would be mentals.  Plus, he's a mid day 3 pick. That isn't much skin off the Browns back rostering Luke & taking another shot at day 3 C that shows some great potential.

"Hope is not a strategy?"  Isn't that why I replied I don't want Dawand Jones penciled at LT here especially after 3 consecutive IR lists followed by surgeries for him? There is no football Wizard of Oz putting football hearts in hollow chests; so showing up to a very 1st NFL Training Camp over 400 Lbs is the type of guy you want to lecture with hope is not a strategy. 

As for Wypler, he's also on the roster so there's been some time invested in him.  The Browns fully understanding the time and patience of starting a 6th round guy immediately - remained more comfortable starting the well paid veteran Ethan Pocic here.  I didn't draft Wypler or make any premature conclusions good or bad about him in cameo fill-in opportunities; but I liked when/where they drafted him in round 6.  Again, a season ending injury in the 2024 preseason ended/wiped out 1 year of experience. I liked what I've recently seen from him in very limited duty near the end of the season despite some of the inevitable growing pains that accompanied this late round draft pick in his first cluster of game action in 2025 with steady improvements witnessed with each start.  The consistency will come with experience.  I have ZERO problem with taking another shot at a day 3 Center like the one you mentioned you're researching in Kansas State's Sam Hecht especially if he can also help us at OG if Pocic remains the Center or beats out Wypler at Center

@tiamat63 said:

I think he'll test *a little* light ........... Dude had wheels along with great balance. 

There's usually that trade-off.  Lighter faster, heavier slower.  

@flugel said:

We have young Wypler Snapper from a previous round 6 who's progress was interrupted with a season ending injury in the 2024 preseason.  Once he gets a volume of reps under his belt - I think the confidence and perception of him will get better.  He'd be a guy I'd like to watch more of on the discord with you; because I just don't get the in-depth opportunities to evaluate his play watching it on tv.  It was nice to see him get more opportunities to play in 2025.

This isn't aimed at you - but I'm not gonna join anyone that thinks Dawand Jones coming off 3 consecutive IR visits followed by surgeries is the answer at LT; especially when the elite college football program that gave him a full ride didn't want him at LT. I trust their judgment.  I can only imagine Bill Callahan's 1st impression of him when he showed up way overweight to his 1st NFL Training Camp "this is how this guy prepared for his dream job?" 

"Hope is not a strategy"

Wypler is coming off injury, but a lot of what concerns me with him isn't injury related so much as it would be mentals.  Plus, he's a mid day 3 pick. That isn't much skin off the Browns back rostering Luke & taking another shot at day 3 C that shows some great potential.

@orion said:

Well, that's where I got him in Dutch's draft simulator thread.

 I think he'll test *a little* light at the combine. But if the current projection is late R6, I'm ready to bump him up at least a full round.  

 Especially for teams that love to pull their center. Dude had wheels along with great balance. 

@tiamat63 said:

So middle-to-late 6th, is the current mock?

We have young Wypler Snapper from a previous round 6 who's progress was interrupted with a season ending injury in the 2024 preseason.  Once he gets a volume of reps under his belt - I think the confidence and perception of him will get better.  He'd be a guy I'd like to watch more of on the discord with you; because I just don't get the in-depth opportunities to evaluate his play watching it on tv.  It was nice to see him get more opportunities to play in 2025.

This isn't aimed at you - but I'm not gonna join anyone that thinks Dawand Jones coming off 3 consecutive IR visits followed by surgeries is the answer at LT; especially when the elite college football program that gave him a full ride didn't want him at LT. I trust their judgment.  I can only imagine Bill Callahan's 1st impression of him when he showed up way overweight to his 1st NFL Training Camp "this is how this guy prepared for his dream job?" 

@tiamat63 said:

So middle-to-late 6th, is the current mock?

Well, that's where I got him in Dutch's draft simulator thread.

@orion said:

So middle-to-late 6th, is the current mock?

@tiamat63 said:

I'm pushing up the Queue is Hecht from Kstate.

@ibleedbrown said:

I wondered who you might like in the IU trenches. Coogan transferred from Notre Dame. Do you think Smith has the feet to stick at OT or is he another “might be better as a Guard” guy?

Sorry for the delay on this.  Been a busy start to 2026.   I'll have Coogan wrapped up & a report for him on Wednesday. 

edit:  Drafting a line of Center names, one I saw from the Senior Bowl that I'm pushing up the Queue is Hecht from Kstate.

@flugel said:

All kidding/jousting aside - good to hear.  I'm in the Tampa area so life is great here as well. Sundays are tough on all of us so I hear ya. 

Last year at this time I wasn't even looking at prospects yet.  This year I got so frustrated with the offense, I just started looking at what I felt were the biggest weaknesses up against the draft's supply and demand before the season even ended.   Do I dare say - at least they won't draft 2 QBs again?

Two QBs Never again.  Day 3 why not.  I feel like if you aren’t stable at the position you try once each season.  

@orion said:

So take the WR at 6 then.  He won't help the run game by blocking big fat guys, but he attacks our other huge need.

yeah, it's a tough choice. If you take an OT, you have Mauigoa, Fano, Dunker and Lomu. (I'm not big on Proctor)

My top four wr's = Tate, Boston, Bell and Brazell - big wr

   I think Downs is going to go to the Giants right before the Browns pick.

  At some point, the Browns will draft a qb.

Mark Grobowski or Sawyer Robertson.

This draft will be crazy.

@sdbacker80 said:

Is your authority copilot or film study or both. 

And Are you okay? You are talking about me having a tantrum.  I hate to brag it is 70 degrees outside for me and I’m two blocks from the ocean. I’m going to eat lunch   Life is great.

apparently there is only one way out of this…

Many feel the only way to fix the line is take someone preferably a LT, or add RT at 6.  I don’t believe that is the only way.  If the Browns take Fano/Lomu/insert big body at 6 - I will not agree but so be it.  I’ll be back here rooting for them.  It is possible to achieve sometime big like an 8 win season (enter sarcasm) by picking three lineman in top 3 rounds, drafting Downs, changing Jeudys attitude, grabbing a free agent WR, etc.  Then again there are other ways you can achieve an 8 win season.   
 

Talking about my hurt feelings….haha.  I’m a Browns fan my feelings are hurt every Fall Sunday 10amPT-1pmPT
 

All kidding/jousting aside - good to hear.  I'm in the Tampa area so life is great here as well. Sundays are tough on all of us so I hear ya. 

Last year at this time I wasn't even looking at prospects yet.  This year I got so frustrated with the offense, I just started looking at what I felt were the biggest weaknesses up against the draft's supply and demand before the season even ended.   Do I dare say - at least they won't draft 2 QBs again?

@flugel said:

Is your authority copilot or film study or both. 

And Are you okay? You are talking about me having a tantrum.  I hate to brag it is 70 degrees outside for me and I’m two blocks from the ocean. I’m going to eat lunch   Life is great.

apparently there is only one way out of this…

Many feel the only way to fix the line is take someone preferably a LT, or add RT at 6.  I don’t believe that is the only way.  If the Browns take Fano/Lomu/insert big body at 6 - I will not agree but so be it.  I’ll be back here rooting for them.  It is possible to achieve sometime big like an 8 win season (enter sarcasm) by picking three lineman in top 3 rounds, drafting Downs, changing Jeudys attitude, grabbing a free agent WR, etc.  Then again there are other ways you can achieve an 8 win season.   
 

Talking about my hurt feelings….haha.  I’m a Browns fan my feelings are hurt every Fall Sunday 10amPT-1pmPT
 

@sdbacker80 said:

ah I see now you will take a right tackle. Would you take a right tackle at 6 if they project a little better at guard?  That might be the next step for you. - You

Oh Stop! ? You know you were doing good until that last line above. It's not that I really want to take a RT but I'm starting to see more of the RTs are getting Top 10 Love.  Per that sarcastic jargon in bold above - JMO, I don't think Fano or Mauigoa project better at OG just because a few Draft Analysts are worried about their arm length (that's why they were moved from LT to RT anyway). I think those are the 2 projecting highest although Bama's LT Kadyn Proctor has been projected as high as #6 in a mock draft on WalterFootball.com but I see him as the next Nate Newton at OG with a teammate on both sides of him instead of the open space at LT.  I don't want to use a 6th overall pick on that so you don't have to worry about it being my next step.  - Flugel 

I just watched four middle aged guys talk about trading down for 10 minutes because we shouldn’t take a future guard and how the draft is void of talent at 6 for tackles.  Granted the first two minutes were you can’t take a defensive player but then it was quickly what is left in the scrap heap.  Have I not been critical of the offensive line talent at the top of this draft? Have I not said I like Tate but not at 4 or 6? Big one have I not been a big proponent of getting the hell out of the 6 spot?  - You

Yeah because we didn't already have any 1st round picks in our defense like Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Mason Graham, Devin Bush and Greg Newsome II (before the trade) so of course we can pretend our OL was terrific to add Caleb Downs to the 3rd tier of our defense at #6 overall. He can really help us win by neglecting any/all prospects protecting the edges that killed this team in 2024 and 2025. We can play pretend a 3rd year in a row as the way to go; because some people conveniently forget this when they're worried about squandering an asset or 2 or 3 later on. Moral of the story - neglecting the line of scrimmage perpetuates losing no matter who could be playing some adorable Safety in the 3rd tier of the defense... - Flugel

I absolutely hate the idea of squandering an asset. Something we do far too often and in this case taking a tackle because you need a tackle at 6 is doing that.   I’ll give you another idea….if he’s available at 6 draft downs and trade him ala AJ Brown/Treylon Burke or Eli Manning/Phillip Rivers.  But Taking an elite defender is not squandering an asset unless we want Ronnie Hickman to start or we are prepared to pay massively next offseason for Delpit.     - You

You poor thing. Do you get like this every time you don't get your way?   I have ZERO to do with Berry neglecting the OL in 2024 and 2025. I wanted a Tackle last draft and the Browns went BPA the entire draft except for the QBs.  So yeah, now we need at least 2 OTackles plus an OG. But, hey look at all the winning we celebrated via BPA not squandering assets.  Come on brag to me about all the scoring and winning we did.  - Flugel 

Now I’ll concede my position when some tackle wows us at the underwear Olympics and shoots up the board RT or LT and interviews well and checks the medical boxes.  Will Caleb Lomu be that guy?  Or is he middle of the road starter? - You

In other words, you haven't watched him play before your tantrum.  2nd year starter as a red shirt soph at LT on the OL described in this cut and paste:

How's that?  I'll say it again, I'll take Fano at #6 and Lomu later in the 1st round and snag a talented WR 6 slots into round 2.   If it's gonna hurt your feelings too much I'll pray we can get Lomu are someone equivalent in the 6th slot of the 2nd round instead.      - Flugel

Im having a hard time using 6 right now on a projected guard.  - You

I answered this above.  But, I've only been looking at a lot of film of OTs and reading about them; and there's not a lot of LTs at the quality we need so supply and demand had me over-reacting some I'll admit.  As I said, I'd be okay with Fano or Mauigoa at RT at #6 and as long as we draft the LT with our 2nd pick of round 1. You have yet to name this tackle that's gonna play OG: but I appreciate you needing to re-context the truth because a couple Bleacher Report Teenage authors are excited to worry that RTs arms only 33-34" long could be kicked inside.  That's why both Mauigoa and Fano were moved to RT in the first place. - Flugel

When we have 24 and 40 which is seemingly a place where the OT talent (in this draft) should reside according to talking heads - You

You'll be okay I promise! - Flugel

Edit: and do I look like I’m done lol - You

I told you - you'd be okay. ? - Flugel

@sdbacker80 said:

Im having a hard time using 6 right now on a projected guard.  When we have 24 and 40 which is seemingly a place where the OT talent (in this draft) should reside according to talking heads 

So take the WR at 6 then.  He won't help the run game by blocking big fat guys, but he attacks our other huge need.

@flugel said:

Oh, you're not done?  Good, I like prioritizing biggest team needs with your constructive feedback. It's working a little.  For example, I think I can be a little more flexible with what order we draft these 3 biggest needs within rounds 1 & 2 in the sense I could go RT first/LT second/WR third. The cool thing is if BPA is the only way to go for everyone else (including the 8 or 9 other teams needing new HCs today) - there will still be very good prospects within the 3 biggest needs.

Here's a link of a Draft Analyst that is considered credible enough to cover every NFL draft for decades ranking OTs:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46573669/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-mel-kiper-big-board-top-prospects-players-positions

Here's a good link from PFF as well as a cut and paste

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2026-nfl-draft-priorities-every-eliminated-team

Me:  Aren't they telling us what's preventing this team from winning so do something about it in a place(s) you can get your version of the best? The best should all be on our door-step if the rest of the NFL is following BPA only.  Again, if we can get the BEST RT first - I don't have to stay stubborn to the LT 1st only considering the Browns have another 1st round pick.  Then I think there's still going to be damn good WRs available at the 6th spot in round 2 (#38 overall).  Or trading back where best applicable to ensure these are the 3 priorities.  The Browns went BPA last year and we have 5 wins to show for it.

Here's a discussion similar to what we've had with BPA vrs biggest needs (inclusive of options on how the Browns can land them):

ah I see now you will take a right tackle. Would you take a right tackle at 6 if they project a little better at guard?  That might be the next step for you. 

I just watched four middle aged guys talk about trading down for 10 minutes because we shouldn’t take a future guard and how the draft is void of talent at 6 for tackles.  Granted the first two minutes were you can’t take a defensive player but then it was quickly what is left in the scrap heap.  

Have I not been critical of the offensive line talent at the top of this draft?

Have I not said I like Tate but not at 4 or 6?

Big one have I not been a big proponent of getting the hell out of the 6 spot? 

I absolutely hate the idea of squandering an asset.  Something we do far too often and in this case taking a tackle because you need a tackle at 6 is doing that.   I’ll give you another idea….if he’s available at 6 draft downs and trade him ala AJ Brown/Treylon Burke or Eli Manning/Phillip Rivers.  But Taking an elite defender is not squandering an asset unless we want Ronnie Hickman to start or we are prepared to pay massively next offseason for Delpit. 

Now I’ll concede my position when some tackle wows us at the underwear Olympics and shoots up the board RT or LT and interviews well and checks the medical boxes.  Will Caleb Lomu be that guy?  Or is he middle of the road starter? 

Im having a hard time using 6 right now on a projected guard.  When we have 24 and 40 which is seemingly a place where the OT talent (in this draft) should reside according to talking heads 

Edit: and do I look like I’m done lol 
 

@flugel said:

Oh, you're not done?  Good, I like prioritizing biggest team needs. I think I can be a little more flexible with what order we draft these 3 biggest needs within rounds 1 & 2 in the sense I could go RT first/LT second/WR third. The cool thing is if BPA is the only way to go for everyone else (including the 8 or 9 other teams needing new HCs today) - there will still be very good prospects within the 3 biggest needs.

Here's a link of a Draft Analyst that is considered credible enough to cover every NFL draft for decades ranking OTs where you said wouldn't be in the top 15 let alone at #6.  I didn't have to dig very far to find that's simply not true:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46573669/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-mel-kiper-big-board-top-prospects-players-positions

Here's a good link from PFF as well as a cut and paste

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2026-nfl-draft-priorities-every-eliminated-team

Me:  Aren't they telling us what's preventing this team from winning so do something about in place you can get your version of the best? The best should all be on our door-step if he rest of the NFL is following BPA only.  Again, if we can get the BEST RT first - I don't have to stay stubborn to the LT 1st only considering the Browns have another 1st round pick.  Then I think there's still going to be damn good WRs available at the 6th spot in round 2 (#38 overall).  Or trading back where best applicable to ensure these are the 3 priorities.  The Browns went BPA last year and we have 5 wins to show for it.

Here's a discussion similar to what we've had with BPA vrs biggest needs (inclusive of options on how the Browns can land them):

I'm not a big Kadyn Proctor fan at LT - like the write-up said he gave up countless QB pressures against Florida State because he doesn't have the lateral movement/agility/footwork for the blind side pass protection.  That said, I think he can be the next Nate Newton at OG (w/o open space to his left or right in pass pro) going John Deere Tractor on DTs in the running game.  We're gonna need at least 1 OG in case the Browns draft him for LT and realize he was born to be an NFL Guard.  I wouldn't like this guy as our 1st or 2nd pick - but I think I found how he could be more useful if the Browns did daft him.  Hopefully we have a good OLine Coach that can provide some input on prospects prior to the draft.

@sdbacker80 said:

Be careful…Don’t make two mistakes.

Staying at 6 what tackle are you taking?  
 

Does LT or RT matter?

Does “he project as a guard at the next level” matter?  
 

Oh, you're not done?  Good, I like prioritizing biggest team needs with your constructive feedback. It's working a little.  For example, I think I can be a little more flexible with what order we draft these 3 biggest needs within rounds 1 & 2 in the sense I could go RT first/LT second/WR third. The cool thing is if BPA is the only way to go for everyone else (including the 8 or 9 other teams needing new HCs today) - there will still be very good prospects within the 3 biggest needs.

Here's a link of a Draft Analyst that is considered credible enough to cover every NFL draft for decades ranking OTs:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46573669/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-mel-kiper-big-board-top-prospects-players-positions

Here's a good link from PFF as well as a cut and paste

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2026-nfl-draft-priorities-every-eliminated-team

Me:  Aren't they telling us what's preventing this team from winning so do something about it in a place(s) you can get your version of the best? The best should all be on our door-step if the rest of the NFL is following BPA only.  Again, if we can get the BEST RT first - I don't have to stay stubborn to the LT 1st only considering the Browns have another 1st round pick.  Then I think there's still going to be damn good WRs available at the 6th spot in round 2 (#38 overall).  Or trading back where best applicable to ensure these are the 3 priorities.  The Browns went BPA last year and we have 5 wins to show for it.

Here's a discussion similar to what we've had with BPA vrs biggest needs (inclusive of options on how the Browns can land them):

https://discord.gg/nttM6stU

@calfoxwc said:

If Jones can get healthy and get back to LT, it matters. 

and "projects as a guard at the next level" only matters if it is definitely true.

Wirfs was talked about as being a T or G.

Mauigoa has been compared to Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit lions.

"Francis Mauigoa has been compared to NFL offensive tackle Penei Sewell, noted for their similar size and athletic abilities. Both players have shown strong potential in their respective college careers."

Penei was taken with the 7th overall pick in the first round.

https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/francis-mauigoa-2026-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-grades-rank-measurements

***************************

"

Penei Sewell

He's definitely the type of Tackle Dan Campbell is proud to have!  Very good example to use Cal and he's actually a RT in the NFL after being a LT at Oregon - maybe I need to flip my Utah Tackles to Fano at #6  and hoping Lomu kick slides back to us in the 20s.  

@sdbacker80 said:

Be careful…Don’t make two mistakes.

Staying at 6 what tackle are you taking?  
 

Does LT or RT matter?

Does “he project as a guard at the next level” matter?  
 

If Jones can get healthy and get back to LT, it matters. 

and "projects as a guard at the next level" only matters if it is definitely true.

Wirfs was talked about as being a T or G.

Mauigoa has been compared to Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit lions.

"Francis Mauigoa has been compared to NFL offensive tackle Penei Sewell, noted for their similar size and athletic abilities. Both players have shown strong potential in their respective college careers."

Penei was taken with the 7th overall pick in the first round.

https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/francis-mauigoa-2026-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-grades-rank-measurements

***************************

"

Penei Sewell